History

Since his early teens, Chuck Shoesmith built. The first projects were simple. Decks. Cabins in the bush. Fences. Simple remodels. As his skill developed, the projects became more complex. He apprenticed and passed his Red Seal Carpentry ticket. He started building houses.

From the beginning, Chuck placed a premium on precision. Other builders noted his foundations were always on target—square and, even more importantly, level corner to corner. He started building foundations as a sub for other builders. This led to bigger and more complex concrete structures—, the sewer plant for Fernie Alpine Resort, the water plant for the City of Fernie and a major portion of the recently completed selenium treatment plant at Teck’s Line Creek Mine.

At the same time Shoesmith Construction built dozens of homes for families in the Fernie area. In an area noted for high water tables and springs, none of the foundations leaked. There is something to be said for placing a good foundation under your home.

His custom builds ranged from the Cherished Memories Chapel to the conversion of a church into a community dental center. In every case, the client needs drove the process. In working with Shoesmith Construction, each project became the realization of a client’s needs and dreams.

One of the Shoesmith standards revolves around giving back. While the company staff centers around a few highly qualified Red Seal carpenters, these individuals take pride and care in developing new carpenters for the Fernie area. Over the years many willing young residents started their apprenticeship at Shoesmith Construction. Mentoring and creating a new generation of skilled workers is a core value within the fiber of the company.

Building is a collaborative process. The carpenters work with electricians and plumbers and other trades in raising a building. Over the last four decades, Shoesmith Construction has built productive relationships with the other major trades in the valley allowing a seamless building process. With knowledge and effective coordination, Shoesmith Construction builds on time and on budget.